Overview & Reviews

The original Mitsubishi Lancer never exactly blew us away. It was underpowered and not particularly entertaining to drive, its interior was simply OK and its styling was dull to boot. The second-generation Lancer has corrected two of those problems, especially with its aggressive new styling featuring a "shark nose" fascia. It's also kind of fun to drive, thanks to solid handling dynamics and (apart from the base engine) peppy engine choices.

All in all, count the Lancer as one model that has greatly improved from generation to generation. However, compared to more recently redesigned compact sedans, the Lancer's refinement, interior quality and fuel economy trail considerably. While the latest Lancer is an attractive, sporty sedan, we suggest thoroughly looking around at its many competitors.

Current Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi's stylish compact sedan is offered in DE, ES, SE, GT and Ralliart trims. The Sportback body style and high-performance Evolution are reviewed separately.

The two lower trims are front-wheel drive and powered by a 148-horsepower (143 hp in California-emissions-level states) inline-4. The all-wheel-drive SE and front-wheel-drive GT get a 2.4-liter 168-hp four. Should that not be enough, there is the Ralliart, which offers a 237-hp turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the Ralliart, while Mitsubishi's continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional (except on Ralliart). The Ralliart comes with a quick-witted automated-clutch manual transmission.

In reviews of the Mitsubishi Lancer, we've been impressed with its secure handling, sporty styling and high-tech optional features. The Rockford Fosgate hard-drive-equipped audio system drew particularly high praise. On the downside, we've found the Lancer's base four-cylinder rather lacking in both power and refinement, and the CVT does nothing to help the situation -- in fact, we feel it saps power from the engine. We would therefore suggest sticking with the five-speed manual transmission or going with a GT, though fuel economy isn't impressive with any model. The Lancer's cabin also falls short of the segment leaders in terms of materials quality and lacks a telescoping steering wheel, which makes the car uncomfortable for many tall drivers.

Used Mitsubishi Lancer Models
The current Lancer generation dates back to the 2008 model year. Originally, only DE, ES and GTS trims were offered and all came with the base four-cylinder listed at 152 hp until 2011. The GTS was similar to the current car's GT, but it possessed a sport-tuned suspension. The 2.4-liter engine and the Ralliart showed up for '09. Stability control was available only on the Ralliart until 2010, when it became standard across the board along with four-wheel antilock brakes. ABS had previously been optional on the DE (that trim switched to four-wheel discs for 2010, but then reverted back to drums a year later). Some revised exterior and interior styling for certain trims and standard power door locks also showed up for 2010. The SE trim was new for 2012.

The first Mitsubishi Lancer was launched for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Mirage sedan. It originally came in three trim levels: ES, O-Z Rally and LS. The ES came with a fine list of standard features, such as power accessories, a CD player and air-conditioning. The O-Z Rally trim offered a sportier look thanks to 15-inch O-Z alloy wheels and special interior trim upgrades. The LS distinguished itself with cruise control, ABS (not offered as an option on the ES or O-Z Rally) and remote keyless entry. All trims came with the 120-hp 2.0-liter engine and a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was standard on the LS and available as an option in the other two models.

Running changes included the 2004 debut of the Lancer Ralliart trim level, which boasted a 162-hp 2.4-liter engine, ABS, alloy wheels, sport exhaust and a sport-tuned suspension. Ralliart sedans came standard with a five-speed manual transmission. That year, Mitsubishi also introduced the Lancer Sportback wagon, available in LS or Ralliart trim. The 162-hp engine powered both wagon trim levels, but the Sportback was only available with a four-speed automatic. Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer LS and both Sportback models in 2005. In 2006, the Lancer SE, featuring a sunroof, six audio speakers, cruise control and remote keyless entry, was introduced to freshen up the lineup.

In road tests, our editors found this Mitsubishi Lancer comfortable, though not especially fun to drive. Its power and performance weren't exactly overwhelming. But its spacious interior, particularly for rear passengers, and comfortable ride might appeal to those looking for a pleasant and roomy sedan at a decent price. The sport-tuned Lancer Ralliart, with its more powerful engine and tighter suspension, offers higher performance at an affordable price, making it the best choice of this Lancer generation.

Previous to the Lancer, Mitsubishi's small-car offering was the Mirage.

User Reviews:

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  Best Sport Sedan in the world!!! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Firebat - September 25 - 3:46 am

  Best sport sedan in the world!!!

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  Ralliart Rules - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Ralliart - September 15 - 2:36 am

  Ok, this car really is a bang for your buck. Sporty look, handling and low end power with out paying extra. The first time I drove one, I fell in love. Had it for little over 3 years and no complaints so far.

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  Love it! - 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ksampsel - September 13 - 1:16 am

  I purchased the GTS model with the 5 speed manual, with the sun and sound package, and the navi and tech options. Handles great, stereo system is awesome (Rockford), lots of features for your money. You do hear a lot of road noise and engine noise. I think they need a quieter engine. It sounds like its knocking. They took away from the quality of the interior for all of the electronic features. I love this car, though, its fun to drive. As far as power I thinks it performs well. I was doing 60 from traffic light to traffic light without realizing it.

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  RZs OZRally Review - 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By ROBERT ZIEGLER - August 31 - 11:00 pm

  Comfortable on long trips and great fuel mileage. Headroom is very good. Sound system much better than expected. Excellent air conditioning.

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  I love it! - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By lancerchic - August 28 - 7:20 am

  I have loved this car from the moment I test drove it. It is a lot of fun to drive, and I love the sporty look. I have taken this car on all kinds of long road trips, and it has never failed me. I like the feeling that I am driving a sporty car, but that I still have 4 doors and room to fit passengers and cargo, as opposed to a 2-door sports car that you cant fit anything in besides the driver. Highly recommended!

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jenn3582 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car needing a reliable vehicle and that is exactly what I got. It rides very smooth and is very comfortable.

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  My Lancer - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By MitsuDriver04:-)5spd - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Its a really Good car, So far i love it. I have the base model (ES) and it comes with a lot of things standard like power windows, power doors, keyless entry, Am/Fm/Cd stereo that is one of the best stock car stereos i have ever heard.

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  its aight - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By nufftrouble - August 16 - 10:26 pm

  I have the oz and i find for it being the top line of the car models they could have at least given it more horsepower or made the rims 16. The car lacks power and has bad handling. This car has so much restrictions on it. Its a good car for the price but with the name lancer they should put whats known in lacers, horsepower

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  Ups and Downs - 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By John - August 15 - 4:53 am

  I love my Lancer OZ but she has been a headache. Note to drivers: do not get into an accident. After an accident and the car has no value left to it and the problems are irrepairable. It still drives like a dream with 50,000 miles but it has noises like you wouldnt beleive. Horrible in the snow and rain but on nice days, handels and zips like a dream.

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  Great Car no Go - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Randy G - August 12 - 6:36 am

  I really love my car - Lancer OZ, but the engine is what it lacks. Ive added a Injen Cold Air Intake, MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust, B & M Short Shifter, Denso Iridium Plugs, Carbon Fiber Dash Kit, and a huge stereo system. I only wish it had 200 hp. Gotta recommend it though, grew up a Ford guy and switched to Japanese vehicles for better quality, less recalls, etc. No problems 3 years and 45,000 miles later.